Reno Air Races to Add Concerts in 2014

The Reno Air Races will add concerts to schedule of events in 2014 according to an open letter to fans, volunteers and the community, which was released on Tuesday.

For 50 years the Reno Championship Air Races have appealed to aviation fans, who love the nostalgia of vintage planes, but this year, the long-time event is taking a more modern turn. Reno Air Racing Association Board Chair Mike Major says the board decided to make some changes going forward. "We need to attract a new generation," he said. "Most of the people who come to the races are my generation because they love the World War II aircraft."

To attract new fans and sponsors, organizers plan to offer more than the usual presentations. Spokesperson Mike Draper says that will include nightly concerts with local and big name bands. He didn't elaborate, saying they'll announce a line up on the Reno Air Race Facebook page. Other changes include new static displays and expanded interaction with the Air Race pilots. "We're going to bring in some displays that people have never seen, as well as some performers and demonstrations that people have never seen," said Draper.

Organizers say they want to keep the excitement of the pylon racing, while adding more variety to the week-long event. "We've got a lot of loyal fans and we value those fans very much," said Draper.

Those who love the Reno Air Races say they want to share their passion with a new generation of fans. "We want to give them a better view of aviation and the things aviation can do for you," Major said.

The Air Race Facebook page will be updated weekly from now until September.